Pilates is a popular and well established exercise technique that can help a large spectrum of people with varying health and fitness levels to develop good posture, core stability, strength and balance.

Chi Kung is an ancient form of Chinese exercise. Literally translated it means ‘energy work’. A low impact exercise using a combination of postural alignment, joint mobilisations, breathing techniques and an exploration of stillness.

Pilates

Pilates can be enjoyed by just about everyone. It is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, which means it is never too late to start enjoying its many benefits! Pilates is also a safe and effective form of exercise during and after pregnancy. This wonderful mind-body exercise program targets the deep postural muscles of the abdomen and spine to improve overall core stability and posture.

What makes us different?

Quality- At Southfields Pilates, we believe in offering a premium level of instruction. Our team of highly qualified instructors and physiotherapists has been carefully selected and they all have additional postgraduate training in Pilates.

Personal Care - We keep our classes small, so you'll never leave feeling like just a number. With no more than 8 people per class, our instructors aim to offer as much personal care and attention as possible. Plus, with good background knowledge of injuries, our instructors are trained to modify Pilates exercises to suit your needs. Our classes are performed safely, effectively and at the appropriate level for you.

Choice - We run around 15 classes per week, including mornings, evenings, and Saturdays, which means we can help you find a class to suit your schedule. In addition to our beginner/intermediate classes, we also offer antenatal and postnatal Pilates classes, a dedicated class for over 60's, and an advanced core class for those looking for a challenge!

More than just a great way to get fit and have fun, Pilates can also be used as an integral part of treatment and rehabilitation. With a growing body of research to back it up, the medical world has taken note of the benefits of the Pilates method in the prevention, rehabilitation and reduction of recurrences of back pain and injuries.

Everyone is required to attend a Pilates assessment before joining our classes so that we have a good understanding of your medical history and personal requirements. You can also see one of our instructors for 1-2-1 or small group sessions if you require more individual attention..

Your GP or Consultant may recommend you participate in Pilates for a variety of conditions, including:

Back pain

Pregnancy

Poor posture

Postnatal problems

Mental health conditions

Arthritis

Sports injuries

Stress related illness

Neurological conditions

Our instructors have a good background knowledge of injuries and are trained to modify Pilates exercises to suit your condition. Everyone is required to attend a Pilates assessment before joining our classes so that we have a good understanding of your medical history and personal requirements. You can also see one of our instructors for 1-2-1 or small group sessions if you require more individual attention.

APPI.

Our team of Chartered physiotherapist Pilates instructors are APPI trained.

The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) is well established as a leader in the delivery of safe and effective Pilates teacher training for physiotherapists and equivalent degree therapists. It is the only European based Pilates institute founded and directed by fully qualified physiotherapists.

Advanced Core Class

A more challenging class for those looking to take a step up in core function and strength.

This hybrid class combines traditional Pilates exercises with a selection of other functional core and strength exercises and attracts sports people and those who would enjoy a bit more of a strength emphasis.

Class Descriptions

8 Principles of Pilates +

There are 8 Pilates principles that are incorporated into our Pilates classes and individual sessions. Some of these principles are covered in the initial Pilates assessment designed to make you more familiar with these concepts before you join a class. They are:

Beginner Intermediate Class +

The beginner/intermediate Pilates class aims to get all participants to reach an intermediate level of Pilates. Beginners are introduced into these classes at any stage and the instructor is able to modify each exercise to suit your level. Most of our classes are pitched at a level that is suitable for gaining and maintaining a good level of core stability and is also ideal for managing chronic pain or injuries. The class focuses on developing correct postural alignment and movement patterns and gradually builds good core muscle strength and endurance.

Core Stability Class +

The core stability class is a more advanced class that combines traditional Pilates exercises with a selection of other functional core and strength exercises. It attracts sports people and those who enjoy a bit more of a strength emphasis. It is suitable for someone who is familiar with intermediate level Pilates and who is fairly strong and well conditioned at the outset. The class is faster paced than the regular Pilates classes, varies from week to week, and may include the use of small equipment such as Swiss balls, foam rollers, gliders, BOSU’s and resistance bands. There are more advanced functional exercises in standing, such as squats and lunges with trunk rotation. Potential participants may trial the class by prior arrangement.

Antenatal Pilates Class +

The antenatal Pilates class concentrates on strengthening the muscles used to support your joints (particularly your pelvis and spine) and your growing baby. It incorporates gentle but effective stretching and core strengthening exercises. These will help to maintain the strength of your abdominals and pelvic floor as they stretch and other exercises will help to improve your overall strength in preparation for all the lifting and carrying of your new baby! Exercises are done in safe positions for your stage of pregnancy. The class is slower paced than regular Pilates classes and also focuses on breathing and relaxation.

Over 60's Pilates Class +

This class is suitable for those who want to work at their own pace in a gentle, relaxed and friendly class. Exercises can be modified to accommodate limitations due to arthritis, osteoporosis, or any other restrictions. This class is performed at a slower pace and can help to improve and optimise posture and gait, can help protect against osteoporosis, is gentle on vulnerable joints and focuses on improving balance giving you confidence for everyday activities. Specially formulated for those who would like to exercise, but feel intimidated by the pace and demands of other Pilates classes. This class is run by our Chartered Physiotherapist with a special interest in this age group.